During the height of the Stop Asian Hate movement, I felt a deep need to understand myself and my identity on a more profound level. It didn’t matter how I saw myself, others judged me based on my appearance, and that forced me to confront parts of my heritage and my story that I had never fully explored. Something in my gut kept telling me I needed to be in China, to reconnect with the roots I had never truly known. And so the journey began…

"Jiang Yu" was the name I was given as a baby before I was adopted, and this journey is my way of reconnecting with that part of my identity. It represents the life I might have had and the person I could have been if I’d grown up in China. The name is a symbol of returning to my roots and exploring the connection between who I was, who I am, and who I’m becoming. "Journey to Jiang Yu" is about honoring that identity and discovering what it means for me today.

I’m currently pursuing a Master of International Business at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and my program is set to finish in June. However, I’m considering staying longer to focus on language learning and continuing my personal and professional growth here. I feel like there’s so much more to explore, both in terms of language and culture, so I’m keeping my options open and seeing where this journey takes me!

Do your research ahead of time! I had a friend who didn’t look into things before moving, and the first few weeks were really tough. The more you know about what to expect—whether it's language basics, cultural norms, or everyday logistics—the easier it will be to settle in. That said, it’s okay to ask questions and rely on the people around you. Whether they’re locals or fellow expats, most people have either the answers you need or have faced the same challenges themselves. Be patient with the process and immerse yourself in the culture, but also remember that the people around you are a valuable resource. Everyone’s been a newcomer at some point!